When Sylvia Jarvis Smith '36 thinks about her childhood
in Barre, Vermont, she remembers a household filled with music. Her father,
a physician who had graduated from the University of Vermont College of
Medicine in 1904, was also a self-taught musician. "He was a real Renaissance
man," she recalls fondly, who played "nearly any instrument you can think
of."

Sylvia, who taught music and Latin in Vermont schools
for many years, also inherited her father's musical proficiency and became
accomplished at a long list of instruments, including piano, violin, clarinet,
oboe, drums, and others. It was the piano that became her lifelong favorite
for musical expression, however, and she decided recently to honor her
father's memory by making a gift of her piano to benefit UVM students.
The beautiful vintage instrument now is a centerpiece of the practice room
in the newly renovated Wing Davis Wilks residence facility, which houses
many of UVM's music majors.

As a further expression of her belief in the importance
of music and culture to a well-rounded liberal education, Sylvia has also
made a provision through her estate that will provide tickets to Lane Series
performances for UVM students.

SYLVIA ABBIE JARVIS SMITH SOUTH BURLINGTON
- Sylvia Abbie Jarvis Smith of Mayfair Park in South Burlington died peacefully
on Dec. 27, 2009, at Pillsbury Manor North at the celebrated age of 95,
following a debilitating fall in her home this past October. Mrs. Smith
was born on June 29, 1914, in Barre, Vt., the daughter of Dr. DeForrest
Clinton Jarvis and Pearl Macomber Jarvis. She attended public schools in
Barre. After graduating from Spaulding High School, Sylvia studied Psychology
and Latin at the University of Vermont and graduated with a Bachelor of
Arts degree where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She
earned a Masters Degree in Latin from Columbia University in New York City.
Sylvia enjoyed telling people that she earned spending money while attending
Columbia by reading tea leaves at The Russian Tea Room even though she
knew nothing about the art of reading tea leaves and did not drink tea.
Sylvia began teaching Latin and Music in the Barton, Vermont school system
and completed her career teaching Latin at Champlain Valley Union High
School in Hinesburg. She remained close to Vermont's educational community
as a language consultant for the Vermont National Education Association
and the Vermont Retired Teachers Association. She was a truly free spirit,
a very independent woman whose interests ranged from race cars to politics.
Sylvia was very proud of her 1962 Shelby Cobra race car, and loved the
'sound of a good motor' throughout her life. She harbored a life-long interest
in Egypt, its culture and its treasures after a journey down the Nile,
and a photo of her perched atop a camel taken on that trip was a favorite
of hers. For many years, her column, "Otherwise," was a staple of South
Burlington's Other Paper. Sylvia was also an avid bridge player for most
of her life and developed numerous acquaintances while pursing that hobby.
Sylvia took an active interest in the environment long before it became
popular, serving as Chair of the South Burlington Natural Resources Committee
and was South Burlington's representative to the Winooski Valley Park District.
Her commitment to community service is reflected by her volunteer work
in a variety of organizations, a few of which were the Chittenden County
Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, the Governor's Alcohol & Drug
Abuse Advisory Board, the Vermont Chronic Disease and Nutrition Coalition,
the Champlain Valley Regional Planning Council, Friends of the Fleming
Museum, the Chittenden County Historical Society, the Vermont Music Association,
and the Green Mountain Folklore Society. A proud member of the Mayflower
Society, Sylvia accepted leadership responsibilities in many of the organizations
she supported. She was a Trustee of the South Burlington Community Library,
served on the Executive Committee of the UVM Alumni Association, and was
the Vice Chair of the AARP State Legislative Committee. In addition, she
started the Elder Education Enrichment Group, an organization dedicated
to continuing education for elders. For her work with elders she was selected
as the "Woman of the Year" by the Older Women's League. She was also honored
as the first recipient of the "Twin Oaks Sports and Fitness Community Outreach
Award" in 1992. Her commitment to community service included being a Cub
Scout den mother and leading fund drives for the Community Chest and Red
Cross. Sylvia was very proud to be one of the original home owners in South
Burlington's Mayfair Park. She was an active member of its Association
and was a founding member of the Mayfair Park Home Demonstration Group,
a branch of the University of Vermont Extension Service. She loved her
home and meticulously cared for a beautiful array of flowers throughout
her yard. She was a member of the Burlington Garden Club and an active
member of Faith United Methodist Church. Sylvia believed in celebrating
her birthday for the entire month of June, not just one day, and over the
years, marked her birthdays with countless lunches with friends and neighbors.
To celebrate her 75th birthday, she invited 'Women Only' to a Lawn Party
at her home and insisted that all guests appear in Garden Party attire.
On her 90th birthday, and again when she turned 95, Sylvia enjoyed sharing
her "Special Day" with friends, many of whom were regular luncheon companions
at South Burlington's Trader Duke's and Williston's 99 Restaurant. Her
guest list read like the South Burlington City Directory as her friends
included members of the South Burlington City Council, School Board, Planning
Commission, South Burlington's Legislative Delegation, Fire and Police
Departments, and the City Hall Staff. Other guests were drawn from her
numerous activities, including friends from senior activities, bridge groups,
library visits and breakfasts at McDonald's. She enjoyed engaging others
in spirited conversation and never hesitated to offer suggestions or otherwise
critique the ideas and thoughts of those visiting with her. Sylvia's father,
Dr. D. C. Jarvis, was a major influence in her life. She attributes her
many years of good health to his guidance. She was immensely proud that
his best selling books of practical medicine theory, "Folk Medicine" and
"Arthritis and Folk Medicine," continue to be popular and have been translated
into several foreign languages. Sylvia was fond of telling how 'Papa's'
books advanced his theories of the usefulness of folk medicine and recognized
the potential value of home remedies, especially his combination of honey
and apple cider vinegar. Sylvia also attributed her life-long love of music
to lessons and example from her father. She was grateful he encouraged
her to live life to the fullest and to try new ventures at a time when
opportunities for women were more restricted. When listening to Sylvia
talk about her father, it was clear she adored him. Sylvia was predeceased
by her parents, her husband Fred Smith, her son Jarvis Fred (Jeff) Smith,
and her daughter-in-law Denise Jacques Smith. Sylvia and her friends would
like to thank the dedicated staff at Birchwood Terrace Healthcare for the
care and treatment she received while there. Additionally, they especially
want to acknowledge and thank the devoted staff at Pillsbury Manor North
and VNA hospice for their gentle care and for the dignity they allowed
Sylvia to maintain throughout her journey with them. Memorial contributions
may be made in Sylvia's name to the Vermont Historical Society, 60 Washington
Street, Barre, Vt. 05641. A celebration of Sylvia's life will be held at
the Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset Street, South Burlington,
on Saturday, January 9, 1:30 p.m. Arrangements are in the care of Corbin
& Palmer Funeral Home, 71 South Union Street, Burlington, Vt. 05401.

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